Your thoughts on Cardinal Law and the abuse scandal

Some have suggested that Cardinal Bernard Law should resign for his failure to remove former priest John Geoghan from contact with children years ago, when Law first learned of allegations that Geoghan was abusing boys. The cardinal has apologized for his inaction, but said he will not resign. We asked Boston.com users if they are satisfied with what Cardinal Law has said and done in the matter thus far, and if he should resign.

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He should go. His reluctance to divulge reports of past abuse is the same old story. Children could still be damaged at the unholy hands of a pedophile who has been reported to the Church but not to the authorities. When given a choice between protecting a child or protecting the reputation and the secrecy of the Church, Law will once again go with the latter.
Michael, S. Easton

I left the Catholic church years ago because I could no longer accept the hypocrisy. This goes beyond that to such a point that one truly has to wonder. Sexual abuse is a crime. Cardinal Law knew a crime was being done, and not only did he fail in his duty to stop it, he helped perpetuate it. How dare you not protect little children. Shame on everyone of you.
Kelly, Boston

Resign? Why isn't he being charged with endangering minors? Where is the outrage? I have absolutely no respect for that man.
Michael, Allston

Trust is very important and Carindal Law betrayed that with his community by allowing Geoghan to remain active with children fully aware of what he had done... Cardinal Law was not telling the truth and now should resign for his failure to do the right thing. His apologies will not help those children to recover from their trauma, which really could have been prevented before it started. He knew what he was doing
Norvel, Beverly

I am dissatisfied with the actions Cardinal Law has taken regarding John Geoghan. In light of Geoghans long and continuous history of sexually abusing boys, Cardinal Law should not have repeatedly returned Geoghan to a position of power and trust where he could continue his abuse. I believe that the Catholic church has let down its supporters and constituents. If the church has any desire to save its reputation, Cardinal Law should resign from his position. The sexual abuse of children should in NO way be tolerated or supported, especially in places of trust and power.
Barbara, Cambridge

That type of child abuse is the worst type of spiritual violence. When a child trusts a "man of God" and that person abuses him or her, that child finds there is no safe place anywhere, even in his or her own thoughts, unless, or until, someone else can tell him or her how WRONG that behavior is. Pedophiles who seek access to children by adopting the cloth are doing a huge disservice to socitey. Other men or women of the cloth who protect and defend them share in the vicitimization of the children as surely as if they committed the abuse themselves. Cardinal Law aided and abetted more than one pedophile in his stable. He should step down and spend the rest of his life in jail.
Lisa, Watertown

Using the eyes of 2002 to judge decisions made in the 80’s and 90’s is ludicrous. This terrible media circus only serves the anti Catholic agenda of the Boston Globe and other media outlets at the expense of poor children who were molested by a sick priest. The Globe is really enjoying this. Shame on you!
Leo, E. Bridgewater